Andy B

Hi All, I wonder if RC has given any though to pushing back the final payment date to be closer to the sailing date. I have a 7-night on SOTS for 3/27 which is in peril of cancellation to say the least. After thinking this over, we have decided we don't want to cruise this early given a variety of factors: wearing masks everywhere, having to potentially quarantine in cabin due to positive or false-positive tests, and risk of being "stuck" on ship. I know we can lift and shift or get a FCC but I'd rather not keep the full amount tied up in RC. I realize we can get a full refund if RC cancels on us, but regardless the fact remains that the remaining balance is due later this month. It's too bad they are only cancelling a couple months in advance and seemingly only after folks have made their final payment. It may not seem like that big a pain, but if you had multiple cruises impacted it can add up. I'm curious as to what others think about having to pay in full to get a shot at a full refund. Thanks, Andrew

Hi All, A question regarding flexibility in making final cruise payment. My SOTS cruise on 4/4 was cancelled, so I am looking forward to using the future cruise credit. A long time ago, I had also booked an anniversary Alaska cruise on Ovation for 7/24. My final payment for Ovation is scheduled for 4/11, but the FCC may not arrive until 4/13. Is there flexibility with regard to that final payment date of 4/11? Do they hold it for a few days or is it immediately cancelled at COB 4/11? I'm asking because I'd obviously want to apply my 125% future cruise credit to my remaining Ovation 7/24 balance due, which I learned can be used on existing bookings through Matt H! (Thanks!). -Andrew

Question on the Travel Inconvenience Benefit. Has anyone encountered this situation before? If yes, any info would be appreciated. I'm booked on Symphony of the Seas in April. I purchased Travel Insurance well before the Coronavirus outbreak. I am noticing that under the "Travel Inconvenience Benefit" of my policy, it states the benefit will be paid if: [d]: Cruise Diversion - the Insured's cruise ship does not stop at a scheduled port of call due to ...a medical incident involving another passenger on the ship. If the ship cancels a port visit due to someone being infected with flu (or Coronavirus) or any other medical incident that causes the ship to not dock (or be allowed to dock), would insurance pay this defined cash benefit? In my case it is $750 per insured (times 4 insured people)? I think a ship being banned from a port due to someone being sick on board would be considered a medical incident. Thanks for any explanation or previous experience you can provide. I reached to my travel insurance company via email, but expect it will be a while before they respond. Thanks in advance!!! -Andrew Full policy text for reference (key part bolded): The Company will pay a benefit to the Insured for the amount shown in the Schedule or Declarations Page if, while on a Trip, any of the following Unforeseen events occurs: (a) Flight Delay – the arrival of the Insured’s airline flight at the Destination or Return Destination is delayed by 12 or more hours by the Common Carrier, based on the arrival time at the ticketed arrival airport. In the event of a dispute regarding the length of the delay, information from the U.S. Department of Transportation or other similar governmental sources will be considered the final authority; (b) Flight Cancellation – the complete cancellation of a Common Carrier flight on which the Insured had a confirmed ticket; (c) Runway Delay – the Insured’s Common Carrier flight is delayed on the runway for 2 or more consecutive hours. In the event of a dispute regarding the length of the delay, information from the U.S. Department of Transportation or other similar governmental sources will be considered the final authority; (d) Cruise Diversion – the Insured’s cruise does not stop at a scheduled port of call due to Inclement Weather, a Terrorist Incident, a medical incident involving another passenger on the ship, or a Natural Disaster; (e) River Cruise Diversion – the Insured’s river cruise is unable to sail due to insufficient or excess water levels, and the Travel Supplier provides only land-based alternative accommodations.